Charges have been laid after police investigated a report of a suspicious package delivered to a shipping company in Kentville. - File Photo

KENTVILLE, NS - A Canaan man is facing several charges after a police investigation into a suspicious package in Kentville led to his arrest and a search of his residence.

Members of the Kings District RCMP were advised on Nov. 14 that a suspicious package had been delivered to a shipping company in Kentville. Investigators from the Kings Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit, which includes members from the Kings District RCMP and the Kentville Police Service, went to the location. They found that the package was actually four large metal drums containing a large amount of marijuana and packets of shatter.

The recipient of the packages came to the shipping company while police were there and he was arrested. Police then obtained a warrant and searched the man’s home. Cash, valuables, psilocybin mushrooms and firearms were seized, including hand guns and long guns. A large quantity of ammunition was also seized.

Police found an explosive material and called the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit. The disposal unit assisted with the retrieval of the substance. Police also found items indicative of drug trafficking.

37-year-old Ryan John Griffiths of Canaan has been charged with careless use of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance under the Criminal Code and possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing under the Cannabis Act.

Griffiths was held in custody overnight and appeared in Kentville provincial court on Nov. 15. He was released on conditions and is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 18. The investigation continues and further charges are possible.